Utah Dog Poop Laws by County
Owning a dog in Utah comes with a lot of joy—and a few responsibilities. One of the most important? Picking up your dog’s poop. While Utah doesn’t have a single statewide law for pet waste, most counties and cities have specific rules you must follow.
In this article, we’ll break down dog poop laws by county across Utah, helping you avoid fines and be a good neighbor every time you go for a walk.
Does Utah Have a Statewide Pooper Scooper Law?
No, Utah does not have a state-level pooper scooper law. However, nearly every city and county considers dog waste a public health concern. Local ordinances are in place across the state, and they’re enforced regularly.
That means whether you’re in Salt Lake City or a rural county, cleaning up after your dog is not optional—it’s the law.
County-by-County Breakdown of Dog Poop Laws in Utah
1. Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan)
Salt Lake City Code § 8.04.390 requires dog owners to clean up feces immediately. The law applies to all public property and any private property not owned by the dog’s handler.
Fines: $50 for the first offense and up to $200 for repeated violations.
This also applies in other cities like Sandy and West Jordan. Most parks have pet waste stations, but don’t depend on them—bring your own bag. Curious how old your pup is in human years? Use this free dog age calculator.
2. Utah County (Provo, Orem, Lehi)
Provo and Orem enforce strict cleanup rules through local ordinances. You’re required to carry waste bags and pick up immediately after your dog relieves itself on any property that’s not yours.
Fines: Start at $25 and increase with each citation. Some HOAs impose additional penalties.
3. Davis County (Layton, Bountiful, Clearfield)
Davis County cities like Layton and Bountiful mandate dog poop cleanup through nuisance and sanitation laws. Dogs may also be banned from some public areas if owners repeatedly fail to clean up.
- Minimum fine: $50
- Possible leash or access restrictions for repeat offenders
If you’re keeping your dog active and outdoors, check their age in human years here to ensure their activity level fits their age.
4. Weber County (Ogden, Roy)
Ogden City Code § 13-4-1 states that dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of feces left in public spaces. Roy has similar regulations, and many local parks feature signage and stations to help enforce it.
Fine Range: $25 to $100 per offense
5. Washington County (St. George, Hurricane)
St. George requires pet owners to pick up waste on public property and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. The rule is strictly enforced in parks, hiking areas, and neighborhood sidewalks.
Fines: Range from $50–$150 depending on whether it’s a repeat offense.
6. Cache County (Logan)
Logan city code includes animal waste under public nuisance violations. Leaving dog feces in public areas or on someone else’s property can lead to citations and complaints from other residents.
Most residential neighborhoods expect dog owners to clean up or risk HOA fines as well.
7. Tooele County
Tooele doesn’t have as many formal city ordinances as Salt Lake or Utah counties, but local officials still expect dog owners to clean up after their pets under general health regulations. Residents can report violators to animal control.
8. Iron County (Cedar City)
Cedar City enforces pet cleanup through its animal control ordinance. Leaving dog waste in public parks or trails is a ticketable offense, especially near schools and family areas.
Many neighborhoods also encourage peer reporting and use community watch systems to prevent problems.
Fines for Not Picking Up Dog Poop in Utah Counties
| County/City | First Offense | Repeat Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $50 | Up to $200 |
| Provo/Orem | $25 | $75–$150 |
| Davis County | $50 | $100+ |
| Ogden | $25 | $100 |
| St. George | $50 | $150 |
Simple Tips to Stay Compliant and Respectful
- Always carry 2–3 waste bags when walking your dog
- Use public dog waste stations when available
- Dispose of waste in trash bins—not storm drains
- Don’t let your dog wander into other people’s yards
Being a responsible dog owner means more than just cleanup. If your dog is slowing down or behaving differently, it might be related to age. Use this free dog age calculator to better understand your pet’s stage of life.
Do You Still Have to Pick Up If There’s No Sign?
Yes. In nearly every city and county in Utah, you’re expected to clean up after your dog whether or not a sign is posted. Most local laws assume that you know your responsibilities as a pet owner.
So even if there are no warnings posted, you can still be fined or reported.
Why Dog Poop Cleanup Is So Important
Dog waste isn’t just unpleasant—it’s unhealthy. It carries bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can be harmful to both humans and animals. In Utah, where many communities value clean air and outdoor living, proper cleanup protects public health and keeps shared spaces safe and beautiful.
Besides, nobody likes stepping in it—especially your neighbors and their kids.
Conclusion: Clean Up and Be a Responsible Dog Owner in Utah
Every dog owner in Utah needs to know their local laws and take pet cleanup seriously. Whether you’re in the Salt Lake Valley or enjoying trails in St. George, picking up after your dog is the right thing to do—and often required by law.
So grab those bags, stay alert, and help keep your community clean and healthy. And while you’re doing your part, check your dog’s age in human years to make sure their activity levels and health care match their needs.
Let’s make Utah a cleaner, safer place for pets and people alike—one walk at a time.